Dave Coulier, best known as Uncle Joey from Full House, has recently shared some tough news: he’s battling stage 3 Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of blood cancer. The 65-year-old actor’s diagnosis came in October 2024, following a health scare that started with what he thought was just a typical cold. What began as a respiratory infection soon led to unexpected swelling in his lymph nodes, prompting further investigation.
To determine what was going on, Dave’s doctors conducted a biopsy, a CT scan, and a PET scan. The results came back within days, and the diagnosis was serious. “Three days later, my doctors called me back, and they said, ‘We wish we had better news for you, but you have Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and it’s called B-cell and it’s very aggressive,’” Dave explained to People magazine.
For Dave, the news was nothing short of shocking. “I went from, ‘I got a little bit of a head cold’ to ‘I have cancer,’ and it was pretty overwhelming. This has been a really fast roller coaster ride of a journey,” he shared.
Despite the grim diagnosis, there was a glimmer of hope. His doctors conducted a bone marrow test, which came back negative, indicating that his lymphoma hadn’t spread to his bone marrow. This greatly improved his prognosis, raising his chances of recovery. “At that point, my chances of curable went from something low to 90% range. And so that was a great day,” Dave said with relief.
As part of his preparation for chemotherapy, Dave made the proactive decision to shave his head, facing his treatment head-on with a positive mindset. Reflecting on the diagnosis, he described a surprising sense of calmness that came over him after the initial shock. “When I first got the news, I was stunned, of course, because I didn’t expect it, and then reality settled in, and I found myself remarkably calm with whatever the outcome was going to be,” he shared.
Dave attributes some of this inner peace to the resilience he saw from the women in his family who had also faced difficult health battles. “I don’t know how to explain it, but there was an inner calm about all of it, and I think that that’s part of what I’ve seen with the women in my family go through. They really instilled that in me and inspired me in a way because they were magnificent going through what they went through,” he explained.
This health battle has given Dave a new outlook on life, reminding him of the blessings he’s had and the support that surrounds him. “I just thought, ‘I’m okay with this too.’ I’ve had an incredible life on a journey with incredible people around me, and I’m okay. It does change perspective for sure,” he said, acknowledging the positive effect this mindset shift has had.
Through the whirlwind of diagnosis, tests, and treatment, Dave remains hopeful, strengthened by the support of family, friends, and fans who are rallying behind him. His calm, gratitude-filled approach to this unexpected chapter in his life stands as a testament to his resilience and optimism.
The actor is now focusing on his recovery, taking things one day at a time as he undergoes chemotherapy with a strong outlook. As he navigates this challenge, the love and well-wishes from his supporters offer comfort and encouragement.
We’re sending Dave all the best as he goes through this journey, and we’re hopeful for a successful and speedy recovery.
